Petition - Possible Parking Charge Enforcement in Kilwinning
North Ayrshire Council · 18 February 2025
Back to Cabinet — 18 February 2025 and its agenda
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ropo NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 18 February 2025 Cabinet Title: Petition: “Possible parking charge enforcement in Kilwinning” Purpose: To advise Cabinet of the outcome of consideration by the Audit and Scrutiny Committee of a petition in relation to possible parking charge enforcement in Kilwinning. Recommendation: Cabinet is recommended to refer the petition to a meeting of Council for consideration as part of the Council’s budget engagement and budget setting process for the coming year. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 At a meeting of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee on 23 January 2025, Members considered a report by the Head of Service (Democratic) on the terms of a petition received in relation to “Possible parking charge enforcement in Kilwinning”. 1.2 The petitioners and Head of Service (Neighbourhood Services) were heard at the Committee and it was agreed that the terms of the petition be accepted and a recommendation made to Cabinet that the petition be considered as part of the Council’s budget engagement and budget setting process for the coming year. 2. Background 2.1 The report presented to Audit and Scrutiny Committee on 23 January, setting out the terms of the petition, is attached as Appendix 1 and is also outlined below:- “Please find enclosed a petition on behalf of Dino and Sons, supported by our customers, expressing unanimous opposition to the potential introduction of parking charges in North Ayrshire. This petition represents not only the concerns of our business but also those of the wider community, who stand firmly against any new financial burdens placed on local residents and workers. As you are aware, the cost of living crisis continues to escalate at an alarming rate, with no relief in sight for your constituents. Unfortunately, this marks the second time in as many years that Kilwinning’s Main Street has faced the threat of parking charges, which would impose yet another financial strain on families already struggling to make ends meet. These charges would affect workers trying to support their families, local households, and even those seeking essential healthcare. We understand that North Ayrshire Council has received over 4,400 responses to your recent budget engagement exercise. Rather than organizing a collective petition with local businesses and residents, we decided to take a different approach. From our shop on Kilwinning Main Street, Dino and Sons, we have gathered over 1,000
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signatures from our loyal customers who strongly oppose these proposed charges. In addition, an online survey conducted via our Facebook page has yielded over 800 additional objections. We urge the Council to take these voices into account and reconsider the introduction of parking charges. Over 1,100 written submissions from our customers, along with over 800 online signatures from the broader public, clearly show that these charges are not acceptable. The question is not only whether it is fair to impose such fees but whether it is justifiable to ask constituents to pay for the basic necessities of life – such as food, healthcare, and the right to park at their homes. We sincerely hope that the Council will take heed of these concerns and protect the livelihoods of those already facing significant economic challenges. A few quotes from our invaluable customers on the subject of Parking Charges in Kilwinning’s Main Street: 1. If I just want broccoli, instead of costing 69p, that would have cost me more than double just to park my car, doesn’t this council care about the cost of living crisis? 2. Picking on the easy targets, why don’t they charge retail parks instead? 3. Myself and friends often enjoy wee day trips to Kilwinning from Neilston, visiting shops and stay for lunch. It’s one of the last streets anywhere that has independent family bakers, fruit and veg, butchers and even has clothes shops, gift shops, your council should be helping it all it can instead of the constant parking charge threats. 4. I come here from Kilmarnock, our council destroyed the high st, now there’s no food shops left. Can’t believe your council is willing to sacrifice a great wee town due to taxing shopkeepers and its customers. 5. I depend on Dino’s delivering my shopping every Saturday – it’s a disgrace the council’s threatening the only way I can get what I want and not at the unaffordable quantities supermarkets want me to buy. 6. Feels like they are trying to turn my street into a ghost town. 7. Council’s booking everyone generating cash, enough is enough trying to kill off the street, parking charges=death sentence for this street. We have also included a video taken a few weeks ago showing clearly why there is zero credence to any claims that there is nowhere to park in Kilwinning’s Carparks – with more than ample spaces available to park whether college is open or closed: ” 2.2 The principal spokesperson outlined their objections to the proposal and highlighted the following points:- • Imposition of parking charges on shoppers, workers and traders of Kilwinning’s main street and the adverse effects this would have in term of footfall in the local area; • Extremely difficult trading conditions, given the current cost-of-living crisis, and the struggle for local businesses to remain open; • Transfer of the land at the Oxenward car park through a Compulsory Purchase Order to the former Cunninghame District Council (which was supported by the shop owners
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and residents) on the condition that the land would be used to support the growth of Kilwinning and therefore the importance of honouring that commitment and protecting the community from additional financial burdens; • That, in light of the above, Kilwinning main street should be freed from the unnecessary strain of any proposed car parking charges; • The adverse effect on the local community of the parking charges, and the financial strain on families trying to make ends meet; and • The potential reduction in footfall in Kilwinning main street, if the imposition of parking charges was to go ahead, regardless of the amount “not just £2”, which could exacerbate difficult trading conditions which have already resulted in recent business closures on the Main Street. 2.3 Having heard from the petitioners, the Head of Service (Neighbourhood Services) was heard in answer to Members’ questions and in clarification of certain matters raised in the petition correspondence, particularly in relation to the point that no decisions had been made in relation to these budget consultation proposals. In this respect, a briefing note by the Head of Service (Neighbourhood Services) was appended to the original report to the Audit and Scrutiny Committee (attached as Appendix 1 hereto). 2.4 The Audit and Scrutiny Committee agreed to accept the petition and recommended to Cabinet that the petition is considered as part of the Council’s budget engagement and budget setting process for the coming year. 3. Proposals 3.1 That Cabinet considers the recommendation of the Audit & Scrutiny Committee for the petition to be considered as part of the Council’s budget engagement and budget setting process for the coming year. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 None arising from this report. Human Resources 4.2 None arising from this report. Legal 4.3 None arising from this report. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 None arising from this report. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 None arising from this report. Key Priorities 4.6 None arising from this report.
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Community Wealth Building 4.7 None arising from this report. 5. Consultation 5.1 This report follows as a result of the budget engagement process with communities. Aileen Craig Head of Service (Democratic) For further information please contact Craig Stewart, Committee Services Officer, on 01294 324130 or by email, craigstewart@north-ayrshire.gov.uk Background Papers Audit and Scrutiny Committee Minute – 23 January 2025
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 23 January 2025 Audit and Scrutiny Committee Title: Petition: Possible parking charge enforcement in Kilwinning Purpose: To advise the Committee of the terms of a petition regarding “possible parking charge enforcement in Kilwinning”. Recommendation: That the Committee considers the terms of the petition and agrees, or otherwise, to make a recommendation to Cabinet. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 In terms of the Scheme of Administration, the Audit and Scrutiny Committee has a remit: “To receive all petitions and deputations submitted to the Council except those relating to the Council’s planning functions, which shall be considered by the Planning Committee. The arrangements for receiving petitions are as set out in Appendix B to the Standing Orders relating to Meetings and Proceedings of the Council and Committees”. 1.2 This report sets out the background to the receipt by the Council of 1276 signatories on a petition addressed to the Chief Executive in relation to “possible parking charge enforcement in Kilwinning” which was acknowledged as a valid petition in terms of the Council’s Deputations and Petitions Procedure on 7 January 2025. Separately, in the petition correspondence there is reference within (and annotated below) to an online survey in their Facebook page, comprising of “over 800 additional objections.” 2. Background 2.1 The wording of the petition is detailed below: “Please find enclosed a petition on behalf of Dino and Sons, supported by our customers, expressing unanimous opposition to the potential introduction of parking charges in North Ayrshire. This petition represents not only the concerns of our business but also those of the wider community, who stand firmly against any new financial burdens placed on local residents and workers. As you are aware, the cost of living crisis continues to escalate at an alarming rate, with no relief in sight for your constituents. Unfortunately, this marks the second time in as many years that Kilwinning’s Main Street has faced the threat of parking charges, which would impose yet another financial strain on families already struggling to make ends meet. These charges would affect workers trying to support their families, local households, and even those seeking essential healthcare. We understand that North Ayrshire Council has received over 4,400 responses to your recent budget engagement exercise. Rather than organizing a collective petition Appendix 1
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with local businesses and residents, we decided to take a different approach. From our shop on Kilwinning Main Street, Dino and Sons, we have gathered over 1,000 signatures from our loyal customers who strongly oppose these proposed charges. In addition, an online survey conducted via our Facebook page has yielded over 800 additional objections. We urge the Council to take these voices into account and reconsider the introduction of parking charges. Over 1,100 written submissions from our customers, along with over 800 online signatures from the broader public, clearly show that these charges are not acceptable. The question is not only whether it is fair to impose such fees but whether it is justifiable to ask constituents to pay for the basic necessities of life – such as food, healthcare, and the right to park at their homes. We sincerely hope that the Council will take heed of these concerns and protect the livelihoods of those already facing significant economic challenges. A few quotes from our invaluable customers on the subject of Parking Charges in Kilwinning’s Main Street: 1. If I just want broccoli, instead of costing 69p, that would have cost me more than double just to park my car, doesn’t this council care about the cost of living crisis? 2. Picking on the easy targets, why don’t they charge retail parks instead? 3. Myself and friends often enjoy wee day trips to Kilwinning from Neilston, visiting shops and stay for lunch. It’s one of the last streets anywhere that has independent family bakers, fruit and veg, butchers and even has clothes shops, gift shops, your council should be helping it all it can instead of the constant parking charge threats. 4. I come here from Kilmarnock, our council destroyed the high st, now there’s no food shops left. Can’t believe your council is willing to sacrifice a great wee town due to taxing shopkeepers and its customers. 5. I depend on Dino’s delivering my shopping every Saturday – it’s a disgrace the council’s threatening the only way I can get what I want and not at the unaffordable quantities supermarkets want me to buy. 6. Feels like they are trying to turn my street into a ghost town. 7. Council’s booking everyone generating cash, enough is enough trying to kill off the street, parking charges=death sentence for this street. We have also included a video taken a few weeks ago showing clearly why there is zero credence to any claims that there is nowhere to park in Kilwinning’s Carparks – with more than ample spaces available to park whether college is open or closed: 2.2 There is provision in Standing Orders for accepting petitions relating to decisions that the Council is about to take. 2.3 The Head of Service (Neighbourhood Services) has provided a briefing note on the background to this matter, which is detailed at Appendix 1 to the report.
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2.4 In terms of the procedure for petitions and deputations set out in Standing Orders, representatives of the petitioners have been invited to attend the meeting to address the Committee. Spokespersons should be restricted to addressing the specific points raised in their petition. 2.5 The spokespersons have, collectively, 10 minutes to address the Committee. This may be extended at the discretion of the Chair. 2.6 Once the Committee has heard from the spokespersons for the petitioners, the Chair will invite Members of the Committee to ask questions of the spokespersons. 2.7 While it is for the Chair to decide the stage at which officers should speak to their briefing, previous Committee practice has been for the Cabinet Member or Officer to speak to this after the Committee has heard from the petitioners. The Cabinet Member or Officer will then respond to any questions that Members of the Committee may have. In this case, as no decision has yet been made by Council, no Cabinet Member will address the committee. After the submissions and questions have been heard by the committee the parties will be given to opportunity to sum up prior to the committee taking its decision. 3. Proposals 3.1 It is proposed that the Committee considers the terms of the petition and agrees, or otherwise, to make a recommendation to Cabinet. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 No direct financial implications arising from this report. Human Resources 4.2 None arising from this report. Legal 4.3 None arising from this report. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 None arising from this report. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 None arising from this report. Key Priorities 4.6 None arising from this report. Community Wealth Building 4.7 None arising from this report.
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5. Consultation 5.1 The Head of Service (Neighbourhood Services) has been consulted and made aware of the terms of the petition and has provided a briefing note which is attached as Appendix 1 to the report. Aileen Craig Head of Service (Democratic) For further information please contact Craig Stewart, Committee Services Officer, on 01294 324130 Background Papers Correspondence with lead petitioner
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Appendix 1 Petition against the potential introduction of car parking charges Overview The Council is facing unprecedented financial challenges which may impact on its ability to deliver front line services. An engagement exercise regarding the future budget was carried out in late 2024. This put forward a range of potential savings or ways to generate income and invited the public to feed back on the impact that these would have, should they be implemented. This exercise allowed for early engagement with residents to find out how the 2025/26 budget may affect communities across North Ayrshire. The feedback will help inform any decisions made by the Council. Proposal The engagement exercise included the following proposal around car parking charges: Following the successful introduction of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) across North Ayrshire the proposal will introduce charging for car parking at some Council owned car parks across North Ayrshire. The car parks include; Irvine It is proposed to introduce parking charges in 3 town centre car parks at Kirkgate, West Road and East Road. It is also proposed to introduce resident parking permits for residents of Hill Street affected by the introduction of the parking charges. It is proposed that the first permit would be free of charge, and it is suggested that an additional permit should incur an administration fee of £100. It is also proposed to introduce a small number (6 bays) of time limited free (30 mins) free parking at East Road Car Park to assist with short stops required to access local businesses in the town centre. Kilwinning It is proposed to introduce car parking charges in 2 car parks, these being at Almswall Road and at Oxenward. It is proposed that resident parking permits are issued to the residents that are fronting and abutting Almswall Road car park and also the residential properties affected on Almswall Road. It is proposed that the first permit would be free of charge, and that any additional permit should incur an administration fee of £100. It is also proposed that there should be some time limited free patient parking (up to 60 minutes) on Almswall Road for up to 5 vehicles and time limited patient parking at Oxenward Surgery for 2 vehicles (up to 60 minutes). In addition, it is proposed some time limited free parking (up to 60 minutes) in Woodwynd West for up to 6 spaces and Oxenward (Boulevard) for to 2 vehicles to assist with short stops required to access local businesses in the town centre. Saltcoats It is proposed to introduce car parking charges in Vernon Street, and Kirkgate. Residential parking permits are not considered necessary in any of the car parks. Largs There is already car park charges in place at the Seafront Car Park and at Bellman’s Close. It is proposed to introduce further parking charges in the car park at Gateside Street. It is
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proposed to introduce resident parking permits in the Gateside Street car park for residential properties in the immediate vicinity of the car park. It is proposed that the first permit would be free and that any additional permit should incur an administration fee of £100. In addition, it is proposed to introduce time limited free parking in Fraser Street and Morris Street (up to 60 minutes) for visitors. This will remain unlimited to the residents of Fraser Street and Morris Street who have no access to off street parking. Tariffs The proposed car parking tariffs are - Up to 1 hour - £1.50 2 hours - £2.00 4 hours - £3.50 Benefits It is anticipated that through this proposal a more regular flow of car parking availability would be achieved at Council owned car parks and improve accessibility to town centres which should help local businesses. It will also reduce car usage and encourage the use of public transport to help with Climate Change. To help tackle Climate Change, North Ayrshire Council has pledged to become a net zero local authority by 2030. Less car usage and switching to public transport will help contribute to this pledge. Further information The engagement exercise received over 4,000 responses in total, and 38 conversations regarding the proposals were held with different community groups. The feedback regarding all proposals which were part of the engagement exercise is currently being analysed. No decisions have been made regarding any budget savings for the 2025/26 financial year and the results of the engagement will help inform the budget process. Conclusion At this stage we are unsure what proposals may be considered by the Council in order to meet its requirements for a balanced budget. However, the Council will consider the responses to the engagement as part of the budget setting process for 2025/26. North Ayrshire Council will meet on the 26th February 2025 to agree its budget for 2025/26. Thomas Reaney Head of Service (Neighbourhood Services) North Ayrshire Council 14 January 2025